Matthew 20:25-26
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership is still influenced by the world's flawed systems. He's pointing out that their assumption of authority and "lording it over" others mirrors the oppressive rulers of Gentile nations, not the true nature of his kingdom. This contrast is crucial because it exposes how deeply ingrained worldly power dynamics were in their thinking, even after walking with him.
Fresh off the heels of James and John asking for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples. He's about to contrast their worldly understanding of greatness with the revolutionary way of his kingdom. This moment is a direct response to their ambition and the ten's indignation, as Jesus sets the stage to redefine leadership entirely.
Jesus didn't shy away from calling out how power really worked in the world. He used a comparison that his disciples would have immediately recognized, and frankly, it's one we still see today.
When Jesus spoke of the 'rulers of the Gentiles' and their 'great ones,' he was pointing to the established way of human government at the time. Think emperors, kings, and their powerful officials.
Absolute Authority
These rulers weren't about consensus or serving their people. They exercised dominion and exercised authority. The original Greek words suggest an oppressive, harsh, and absolute control, often for their own gain and glory. It was power for power's sake, a 'lording over' that demanded obedience and often inflicted suffering.
A Stark Contrast
Jesus used this familiar, often brutal, model of power as a direct contrast to how his own kingdom would operate. He knew the disciples were already caught up in thinking about earthly power and status, so he brought their worldly assumptions into sharp focus.
The disciples, even after hearing Jesus speak of his coming suffering, were still stuck on a familiar human ambition: who's the greatest? Jesus uses their request to expose a fundamental misunderstanding of his kingdom.
The desire for greatness and authority isn't inherently evil, but its expression can be. The disciples' request (instigated by James and John, but shared by the others) was rooted in the assumption that Jesus's kingdom would operate like the kingdoms of the world.
Mistaking Power for Authority
They saw Jesus as a king who would set up a political reign, and they wanted the top positions. Their ambition was for dominion, the very thing Jesus was about to dismantle. They hadn't yet grasped that true greatness in his kingdom comes not from ruling over others, but from serving .
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
A general term for non-Jewish people, or nations outside the covenant people of Israel. In the New Testament, it often denotes those outside the sphere of saving knowledge and the righteousness of God.
katakyrieuō · Greek Verb
To rule, dominate, or master someone in an overbearing or oppressive manner. It describes the exercise of power that is self-serving and devoid of the sacrificial love commanded by Christ.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power or right to act, command, or influence others. In the biblical context, true authority is derived from God and is intended to be used for the benefit and service of others, as modeled by Christ, rather than for personal gain.
diakonos · Greek Noun
Jesus contrasts the oppressive, power-hungry rule of Gentile authorities with the servant-leadership model of His kingdom, using the disciples' contemporary understanding of earthly empires as a point of reference.
c. 5th-1st century BC
Hellenistic Empires and Roman Republic Rule
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, the Mediterranean world was dominated by large Hellenistic kingdoms (like the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires) and later the Roman Republic. These empires were characterized by hierarchical structures where rulers exercised absolute authority.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Roman Imperial Administration
The Roman Empire solidified its control, establishing a system of provincial governors and client kings who wielded significant power, often ruthlessly, over conquered populations. This era cemented the understanding of 'rulers' and 'great ones' exercising dominion as the norm.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
During Jesus' public ministry, the disciples witnessed firsthand the power structures of both Roman and Jewish leadership, where authority was often used for personal gain and to exert control over others.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
This passage describes a similar dispute among the disciples about who would be greatest, and Jesus again contrasts worldly power with the servant leadership he calls them to.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage highlights Jesus' own humility and self-emptying, serving as the ultimate example for his followers who might be tempted by worldly ambition.
1 Peter 5:1-3Peter directly addresses church leaders, cautioning them against lording it over those entrusted to their care, echoing Jesus' words to the disciples about Gentile rulers.
Mark 10:42-45This parallel account provides further detail on Jesus' teaching, emphasizing that his followers should not exercise dominion but should serve, just as he did.
barnesMatthew 20:25: "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them."
But Jesus called them unto him - That is, he called all the apostles to him, and stated the principles on which they were to act. The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them - That is, over their subjects. "You know that such honors are customary among nations. The kings of the earth raise their favorit…
henryMatthew 20:20-28: "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."
20:20-28 The sons of Zebedee abused what Christ said to comfort the disciples. Some cannot have comforts but they turn them to a wrong purpose. Pride is a sin that most easily besets us; it is sinful ambition to outdo others in pomp and grandeur. To put down the vanity and ambition of their request, Christ leads them to the thoughts of their sufferings. It i…
Jesus highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership is still influenced by the world's flawed systems. He's pointing out that their assumption of authority and "lording it over" others mirrors the oppressive rulers of Gentile nations, not the true nature of his kingdom. This contrast is crucial because it exposes how deeply ingrained worldly power dynamics were in their thinking, even after walking with him.
Fresh off the heels of James and John asking for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples. He's about to contrast their worldly understanding of greatness with the revolutionary way of his kingdom. This moment is a direct response to their ambition and the ten's indignation, as Jesus sets the stage to redefine leadership entirely.
Fresh off the heels of James and John asking for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples. He's about to contrast their worldly understanding of greatness with the revolutionary way of his kingdom. This moment is a direct response to their ambition and the ten's indignation, as Jesus sets the stage to redefine leadership entirely.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 20:25-26 is available in the Sola app.
A Hidden Disease
As Calvin points out, this ambition was a 'disease lurking within them.' Even when the two disciples were called out, the other ten weren't innocent; they were indignant, likely because they also wanted those high places. Jesus uses this moment to address a deep-seated issue within his closest followers.
A person who renders service to another; in a NT context, it often implies a humble position of ministry to others for the sake of the Gospel and the Kingdom.
As Jesus and his disciples traveled toward Jerusalem for the Passover festival, the disciples continued to debate among themselves about who would be the greatest in Jesus' anticipated kingdom, reflecting their ingrained understanding of worldly power.
"But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant," — Jesus highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership is still influenced by the world's flawed systems. He's pointing out that their assumption of authority and "lording it over" others m…
